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• adigiuseppe@ndapa org & afahey@ndapa org • Winter 2025
Letter from the Editors
By Ava DiGiuseppe ‘25 and Alex Fahey ‘25 Hello readers!
Thank you for taking the time to read the second issue of the 2024-2025 academic year and for appreciating the hard work of our dedicated staff. Mid-winter often feels like the most challenging stretch of the year for many students As we’ve grown within these gates, we’ve come to understand why: it follows the splendor of blue summers adorned with crystals of sand and an overabundance of laughter, the crispness of autumns accompanied by new books and falling leaves, the joy and merriment and “public mirth” associated with early winter celebrations, and, of course, the renewal of spring, with its graduations and fresh beginnings
In this stark and quieter season, we’ve always turned to reading and writing for solace While creative writing holds a special place in our hearts, there is something equally powerful about reflecting on the everyday victories we achieve at school, both big and small We encourage you to carry that spirit of appreciation and celebration with you as you explore this issue and navigate this season of growth
That’s not to say winter’s challenges are mere cosmic missteps. On the contrary, they are essential It’s in these moments of difficulty that you grow, shaping the amazing person you’ll carry into the brighter seasons of your life. We hope you embrace these moments, recognizing their purpose in making you stronger, wiser, and more resilient
This issue is a labor of love, inspired by our community and our own literary journey Recently, we’ve been expanding our usual New Yorker repertoire to explore publications like The Paris Review and other specialized and literary magazines These influences have inspired us, and we hope that as you read this issue, you’ll notice how we’re continuing to define our own independent voice
Happy reading, and thank you for being part of our journey this winter season
Warmly, Ava DiGiuseppe ‘25 and Alex Fahey ‘25
• Issue #2
New Faculty Interview: Mr. DiFerdinando
Conducted by Meredith Rinaldi ‘26
Q: What has been the biggest surprise coming to teach at a high school versus a college?
Mr. DiFerdinando: The personal aspect–with college you are really only seeing the students a few times a week for a short period of time, and it is really hard to establish a connection with them, and get to learn the type of person that they are Because I had much more students–well over a hundred per semester–it was really hard to find the time to get to know each one of them. As far as here, it is so different. I see everybody many more times a week, not only for class, but in the halls as well I would not say this is a big surprise, and I was kind of expecting it, but I am really pleased to know that this is how things go here
Q: You mentioned in class that you like the environment of teaching in a high school, can you tell me more about that?
A: The sense of community is the biggest thing for me It feels like we are all in this together; teachers, students and staff alike, and there’s this collective support system that’s really special Everyone looks out for one another, whether it’s helping students navigate challenges or collaborating with colleagues to make things better. The sense of having each other’s backs creates an environment where growth and connection thrive, and it’s such a privilege to be part of that everyday In college you kind of get this, but because it is such a larger environment, you don’t really get that kind of community I love how here we do all of these things to bring everybody together
Q: What has been the biggest challenge teaching high school students and how have you adapted to overcome this challenge?
A: The biggest challenge has probably been meeting the diverse needs of my students Everyone comes to class with different backgrounds, strengths, and struggles, so finding ways to connect with and support each of them can be tricky I’ve adapted by getting to know my students better, whether through one-on-one conversations or observing how they engage in class. It’s been a challenge, but it’s been really rewarding to get to know different kinds of people and see how they operate
ND Takes the Slopes: The Notre Dame Ski Trip
By Mary Rossano ’25
Killington, Vermont - At 1 pm on Friday, January 24th, a group of 32 students piled into a coach bus together with their skis, snowboards, boots, and helmets, excited to spend the weekend enjoying the beautiful slopes of Killington. Nine hours, an emergency pit stop to use the bathroom, and countless road trip games later they finally arrived at the Turn of River Lodge, a rustic cabin located at the foot of the mountains
The dedicated group of students was up at the crack of dawn the next morning, ready for the day ahead. At 8:30 am, the students arrived at the base of the mountain. They spent their day exploring the large number of beautiful slopes Killington offers. The mountain had something for everyone: well-groomed, rolling terrain for beginners, and treacherously steep double black diamonds for more experienced adventurers They were also blessed by beautiful weather As the students skied down the mountainside, they watched the early morning fog recede, replaced by a clear blue sky The sun hit the small snow particles in the air, covering the mountainside in glitter The students admired the trees at the top of the mountain, covered in a foot of snow A handful of fortunate students were even lucky enough to receive free burritos at the top
of the mountain At 4 pm, the students reconvened at the bottom, exhausted and exhilarated That evening, the students sat together playing card games, building a puzzle, and talking to one another
The next day, Sunday, the students had to be off the mountain by 12:30 to return home They donned their best Eagles attire over their winter clothes to cheer on the birds in the semifinals On the way home, they cheered on the Eagles as they took on the Commanders to get to the Super Bowl. At 10 pm, they returned to school, tired and ready for bed. They were happy to be home and grateful for the weekend’s memories
New Faculty Interview Contd.
Q: What has it been like transitioning not only from teaching college to high school, but also a co-ed environment to an all-girls environment, and what has been your favorite part or biggest surprise from this switch?
A: I was really thinking about this one, and I guess the biggest thing for me is that my best students teaching in college were all girls. They were always my top students It was something about the way that they want to do really well and this desire to push through things I see it here too At least in my eyes, I feel like as a senior you may be a little checked out of things, but that is not the case here at all, at least, not yet I’ve also noticed how empowering it is to teach in an all-girls environment where students can truly thrive without some of the pressures that might exist in co-ed settings There’s a deep sense of camaraderie and confidence among the students, and it’s been incredible to see how they support one another and take on leadership roles My favorite part has been watching the girls build their voices and embrace their strengths
Q: What would be one thing you would want prospective students to know before taking an upper-level math class?
A: First, keep an open mind It is not about memorizing formulas It is about building the skills to think logically, rationally, and objectively Being able to analyze a problem, evaluating your next steps, building on prior skills, being able to bring that forward, and get to the end. It is very rewarding to get to the end of a specific problem and get the answer It can be challenging at times, but the struggle is part of the process, and it’s where the growth happens The key is persistence, asking questions when you’re stuck, and embracing the process of learning even when things don’t come easily at first. It is incredibly rewarding when everything starts to click and you’ll gain skills that extend far beyond math
Q: If you had to choose one thing your students take from your class, what would it be, and why? What do you hope your students take with them to their future college math courses?
A: Believe in your ability to problem solve, really. Math is hard, that is what it is, but that’s how you build confidence. If you get stuck on a problem, leave it and come back, and you will learn to be resilient It will build that level of confidence the more and more that you do it, and the easier it will feel It is not just a confidence in math, but a confidence to be an independent thinker, and to be able to use what you’ve learned, and to be able to navigate real issues. And in terms of college, from an academic side, I hope my students will take with them a growth mindset, knowing that success is not about being perfect, but about learning, adapting, and always pushing forward, no matter how tough the material might seem at first
The California Wildires: How a Fire “Season” Has Grown to a Year
By Calleigh Newbert ‘26
During the frigid winter months, Pennsylvania
residents may prefer to envision a sunny sky and warm weather Nevertheless, these lighthearted wishes have manifested as a harsh reality for families on the West Coast
Californians have become accustomed to seasonal wildfires Despite being known for its sandy beaches and scenic city life, Southern California contains many dry shrublands that risk ignition when paired with its humid climate. The region’s susceptibility has been further aggravated by a recent uptick in wind speeds over 80 mph, which significantly increases the risk of flames spreading at an uncontrollable rate. Now, over four months out of typical fire season, these growing weather extremities have resulted in several historically large wildfires causing mass destruction to Los Angeles County and its surrounding areas
These fires could have started from anything; embers from a campfire catching nearby brush on fire, a burning cigarette left discarded in a forest, a utility line collapsing and sending volts of energy to the ground Regardless of their origin, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has since labelled the fires as a ‘statewide emergency’ and ordered the evacuation of over 200,000 citizens Only four days after their emergence, these wildfires have destroyed over 10,000 structures, taken the lives of more than 25 civilians, burned a land over twice the size of Manhattan, and caused near-apocalyptic levels of damage to areas of Eaton, Malibu, and the Palisades
In other parts of the country, public officials have criticized
both firefighters and public safety officers for failing to contain the wildfires. However, it must be acknowledged that this is much easier said than done First, rising temperatures in California have made it increasingly difficult for fire departments to eliminate dry brush These “controlled burns” can be effective in getting rid of flammable vegetation, yet a recent increase in the dryness of forests and concerns over the effects of burns on air quality have reduced their overall impact.
Furthermore, California’s already depleted water reservoirs
are unable to provide sufficient water for wildfire suppression The state’s dry climate has often faced drought, inconsistent precipitation and a lack of strong groundwater reserves, which has minimized the amount of water available in fire hydrants Ocean water is also out of the picture, since its salt content risks corroding firefighting equipment and delaying suppression efforts further. Even with the freshwater Los Angeles has available, high wind speeds have made it near-impossible to douse fires from above
So what is the solution? Until conditionsmprove to control
i the fires, CAL FIRE suggests that citizens should prioritize getting to safety and prepare to rebuild in the aftermath. Here at Notre Dame, as we brace for cold walks between Cuvilly and the Mansion, students can simply stand in solidarity with victims of the wildfires and appreciate the circumstances we live in. Although we have heard from multiple celebrities who have lost property in the blaze – Paris Hilton, Mel Gibson, and Mandy Moore to name a few – we must also recognize the many communities who now face the same challenge. So as we navigate the uncertainties of life in this second semester, we can continue to find gratitude for our daily experiences as we keep in mind those whose daily lives have just been turned upside down
Ethan Swope/AP
An Open Letter to the Publishing Industry
by Alex Fahey ’25
Dear Big Publishing,
Not long ago, a writer with talent, a compelling voice, a story to tell, and a bit of patience could reasonably find a career in authorship There was value in new opinions, and print was not purely seen as a means of profit printing and publishing provided unparalleled access to ideas, preserved language across generations, and transformed how people communicated However, you, a once noble and progressive institution, gradually began to wholly worship that one fickle master avarice in an almost indefensible manner
You have abandoned merit for marketing
The authors that get published and distributed do not have to be the most innovative, exciting, or even the most talented. They are the ones with the most appeal, the most vast and forgiving preestablished audiences, and the willingness to operate as marketers first and writers second. The budget and thus, the sales favor these authors This creates a self-fulfilling prophecy where midlist writers, starved of resources, are doomed to underperform, and has resulted in volume upon volume from the same individuals and the overarching sentiment of quantity over quality Surely, the literary world will survive without a 201st James Patterson novel? The writers with fresh voices and genuine gravitas are curtailed by unremarkable Instagram followings and an unrelenting demand for the high-concept and easily sellable
Tell Us What You Think!
Club Life at ND
byMaggieFullem’25
FashionClub
Thefashionclubhasbeenprioritizingserviceaspartoftheirclub goalsforthisyear!RecentlytheyhavecollaboratedwithCradlesto CrayonsclubledbySuryaPuri,torunaclothingdriveforwinter clothingthisyear Bymakingposterstogethertheclubshavehung themaroundtheschoolandputoutboxesformembersoftheND communitytodonatetheirclothes Alltheclothingwasdonatedto theCradlestoCrayonsorganization.Lookingforwardtothefuture, thefashionclubishopingtorunapromdressdrivethiscoming spring!Thegoalforthisclubisformembersofthecommunityto donatepromdresses,andthenrunadriveforgirlstobeableto havepromdresses!Informationaboutthisdrivewillbegivenout atalaterdatesostaytunedformoreinformationregardingthe drivethisspring!
This is what the people want, you say? I say that a man who has never seen the ocean is content with a lake. How much nuanced, experimental fiction has society lost in favor of another romance where all the conflict could be resolved if the characters had a single honest conversation? You repackage the same tropes and styles because they are “surefire” and are comfortable dropping the authors with newness and vision that resulted in average debut performances. Harper Lee was an unknown debut writer before she was the author of To Kill a Mockingbird One Hundred Years of Solitude had only 8,000 copies initially printed before it sparked an entire literary movement. All I ask is that you prove publishing is about more than what an algorithm decides will sell, and remember the stories that stand the test of time were often the ones that defied convention, not profited from it.
In defense of great literature, Alexandra
Fahey
Team Up Philly
This past December, seniors Ava DiGiuseppe and Syndey Batts held a coffee sale to support the education equity organization, Team Up Philly During community time and before school hours they sold different varieties of coffee, and all proceeds went to this organization For some background, Team Up Philly is an organization that provides and empowers girls to have healthy and successful lives. They do this by providing girls in underprivileged neighborhoods in the Philadelphia area with numerous clubs, camps, sports, and leadership programs. By donating, you gave more girls the resources they need to thrive and for these programs to be able to happen!
“An American Academy”
by Ava DiGiuseppe ’25
As a lifelong consumer of the arts in Philadelphia, I have been fortunate to experience firsthand the rich artistic traditions that this city upholds. From attending performances by the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Philadelphia Ballet to wandering the halls of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, I have witnessed an arts culture that places a high premium on preserving its heritage while still making room for contemporary innovation; however, despite this interplay between tradition and modernity, I have often observed that Philadelphia remains a relatively conservative city when it comes to the arts.
This raises an important question: Could Philadelphia and the United States more broadly benefit from an American Academy for the Arts, similar to the prestigious academies in Europe?
In a recent conversation with my friend, artist, and playwright Tony Troy, who previously painted for the Royal Academy of Arts, he shared his perspective on this issue. He noted that London and Paris, as historic and culturally dominant cities, naturally command the presence of an Academy of Arts Washington, D C , or Philadelphia, given their own deep historical significance, might be suitable homes for an American equivalent; however, New York, despite being a hub for artistic expression, lacks the historic weight that these European capitals possess in the fine arts tradition. While there are institutions such as the Academy of Portrait Painters or the Society of Illustrators, neither holds the prestige of their European counterparts America has certainly produced great artists Wyeth, Rockwell, O’Keeffe but it lacks the artistic lineage of Europe, where figures like Rembrandt, Da Vinci, Picasso, and Van Gogh shaped an unbroken tradition of artistic excellence. Troy speculated that if an American Academy were to be established, it might inevitably lean into modern art rather than classical traditions
My father took a different stance, arguing that institutions akin to these academies already exist in America in the form of organizations such as the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, which receive indirect government sponsorship through grants While there is truth to this, I would counter that there is a distinct difference between indirect and direct sponsorship European academies function as definitive, centralized authorities in their respective countries, shaping and standardizing artistic movements. America’s decentralized and individually-driven arts culture does not follow this model, and perhaps it never will
That said, I do believe that Philadelphia, with its deeply preservative arts culture, could greatly benefit from its own academy one that pays homage to artistic heritage while still fostering new voices; however, the challenge lies in defining what “traditionally valued art” would look like in a city influenced by digital media, a fast-paced economy, and the ever-changing tastes of contemporary audiences Given the vast cultural diversity of the United States, perhaps a single national academy would not be the right fit. Instead, each major city might require its own institution, shaped by the needs and artistic history of its region Americans place a high premium on individualism, and any patron of the arts would likely seek to celebrate that quality rather than conform to rigid standards Perhaps, rather than an academy in the traditional sense, a more effective model would be an institution resembling an artists’ union one that promotes the creation of individualized art while providing structural support, resources, and recognition to its members This would be a uniquely American approach: one that values artistic autonomy while still fostering a collective artistic identity
Ultimately, the question is not whether America is worthy of an Academy of the Arts, but rather what shape such an institution should take in a nation that thrives on diversity, innovation, and self-expression
Underrated at ND: Electives
By Helen Coogan ’25
Electives are an amazing opportunity here at ND, and I should know, I’ve taken 6 Electives here are one of the most underrated parts of the curriculum, and as course selections come around this year, I think it is important to seriously weigh taking a new elective as an option
Electives are a way to experience something new and try a subject that you may be interested in a low-stakes environment. Since electives are only a semester they are the perfect taste of a new class While I have taken other electives besides English-related ones, I think these are the electives that shine I have always been interested in English, but I found that I needed more than just one English class per year, so I decided to start adding electives. The most notable one that I have taken is Literature Through American Song.
This elective is brand new this year, and if I were to suggest an elective it would be this one Music is something that almost everyone likes, and if you are interested in music, but aren’t musically inclined (like me), then this is the elective for you. This elective takes a student through the decades of the 1900s and explains the music genre going on throughout the years
This class explains how certain historical events impacted the musical genre of that time. This is something that we may not think of in our day-to-day life We don’t necessarily understand why artists write what they write, but even today your favorite artist might be alluding to the time period we are in It is enlightening to hear about the singer's experience and the way in which they can be aware of injustices that happened.
Literature Through American Song helped me to deeper understand artists like Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan All of these classic names that I have heard, but until now, never truly understood. I think that knowing the background of these artists and understanding the circumstances in which they wrote their songs helps one to deeply appreciate and understand their music This class is perfect for music lovers, history lovers, or those looking to deepen their knowledge on either of these topics
Mrs McGuiness, our awesome teacher who runs the elective, gives us great assignments Some of the assignments include things like writing one’s own song (don’t worry you don’t have to sing) and analyzing famous lyrics Another great thing about this class is you might meet someone new who has the same musical taste as you, or someone with musical talent. While we couldn’t see “A Complete Unknown”, we talked extensively about the movie and its impact Another cool thing about this class is although we talk about music of the past, from the Blues to Hip Hop, we also talk about new music It is interesting to hear about another student’s favorite artists, listen to new songs, and engage in discourse about music.
While this elective did not give me musical talent, it helped me to learn about a topic that I love If you don’t choose to take Literature Through American Song with Mrs. McGuiness, I recommend taking a look at the other electives. The electives ND has to offer are extensive and might spark an interest you’ve never thought about before
Joan Baez and Bob Dylan perform during a civil rights rally on August 28, 1963, in Washington, D C
Testing the Waters: Why Notre Dame Should Offer SAT/ACT Prep Classes
By Ava DiGiuseppe ‘25
Standardized tests have long been a controversial
cornerstone of college admissions, with critics and advocates alike debating their role in evaluating student potential As universities increasingly revert to requiring scores, Notre Dame has an opportunity to consider whether it’s time to integrate SAT/ACT prep into its college counseling curriculum
At first glance, standardized tests appear
straightforward a measurement of academic aptitude. But for highachieving students like those at Notre Dame, the reality is far more complex Many of us spend our days maximizing every available moment, balancing rigorous coursework, leadership roles, creative projects, and community initiatives Amid this whirlwind, finding time to adequately prepare for standardized tests is a daunting challenge
access to private tutors or prep courses often find themselves overwhelmed. I’ve experienced this firsthand As someone who has always prioritized skill development through projects I can carry with me into college and beyond, I often struggled to reconcile the demands of standardized test prep with my intellectual goals For students
Even students with iwho aspire to think critically, innovate, and engage deeply with the world around them, the disconnect between preparing for tests and pursuing meaningful growth can feel disheartening.
prep, students may still face pressure to outperform their peers At some point, the difference between top scores a 34, 35, or 36 on the ACT, for instance is often marginal and influenced more by luck than preparation This raises the question: does integrating test prep inadvertently fuel a culture of relentless competition? This creates a paradox: even with school-supported
Perhaps But I would argue that the benefits outweigh the risks By incorporating SAT/ACT prep into the curriculum, Notre Dame can ensure all students have access to foundational resources This approach sets a baseline for preparation, allowing students to decide whether they want or need to pursue additional work independently
More importantly, it would createspace for intellectual curiosity to flourish. By reducing the logistical and emotional burden of test prep, students could dedicate more energy to the projects and activities that truly define them For me, this would have meant more time for research, creative pursuits, and initiatives that align with my long-term goals For others, it could mean diving deeper into extracurricular passions, exploring new ideas, or simply having a
moment to breathe
And yet, standardized tests remain a reality of the
admissions process one that can’t simply be ignored While I’ve always believed these exams say little about a student’s intellectual qualities or capacity for original thought, I understand their influence on college applications Integrating test prep into our curriculum would provide structure and support, freeing students to focus on what truly matters: developing the skills and passions that will shape their futures
However, this issue isn’t without nuance
Universities evaluate applicants relative to their peers, which means if everyone at Notre Dame is
performing at a high level, the bar may simply rise higher Students could still feel compelled to seek external resources to secure competitive scores, especially as top universities often look for applicants in the top 75th percentile or above for standardized test results
In the end, standardized tests are not going away
anytime soon. While their role in admissions remains fraught with inequities and limitations, Notre Dame has the opportunity to mitigate their impact by providing structured support By integrating SAT/ACT prep into the college counseling curriculum, the school can empower students to navigate this challenge with confidence, ensuring they have the tools to succeed while preserving space for the intellectual and personal growth that truly matters
After all, isn’t that what education should
strive for equipping students not just to meet expectations, but to exceed them in ways that are uniquely their own?
The Gates STAFF
Co-Editors-in-Chief:AvaDiGiuseppe‘25,Alex Fahey‘25
StaffWritersforIssue#2: MaggieFullem ‘25,HelenCoogan‘25,MeredithRinaldi‘26, ShelbyParker,CalleighNewbert‘26,EllaBidez
FeaturedWriters:MaryRossano‘25
TheGatesisthenewspaperofrecordfor theAcademyofNotreDamedeNamur. Writetheeditorsatthegates@ndapa org
Staying Positive in the “Not Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
by Calleigh Newbert ‘26
It’s midnight as I cradle a cup of coffee, willing myself to return to my desk and finish the assignments I have left to collect dust I am irritable I am exhausted I am unable to concentrate Most notably, I am huddled under three blankets due to being exceedingly cold Fading in and out of consciousness, I allot 10 minutes to scroll on social media as I chase the dopamine of watching a 30-second Instagram reel After 10 minutes, I decide to answer some texts, and suddenly another 20 minutes pass Now it’s 12:30, and I remain in the same position as before Tired, grumpy, and cold
Each year, in about mid-December, I witness a somewhat intangible change in the attitude of both myself and my peers: what my parents call a “seasonal slump ” As we prepare for an onslaught of unfavorable weather and busy schedules, a sudden increase in fatigue, stress, and general moodiness descends on the community like a plague.
However, these symptoms do not indicate an illness or disease, but the yearly phenomenon psychologists call seasonal depression
It starts when the days get shorter The chemical serotonin, which regulates bodily mood, memory, and sleep patterns, experiences a decline as the length of sunlight in a day reduces
Then comes the cold Instead of spending their time outdoors, most people fill the day with activities in dark or artificially lit rooms, which breeds exhaustion from the excessive production of melatonin Finally, there are the demands of daily life For students and adults alike, factors of education, employment, and off-hour commitments require significant exertions of time and energy throughout the year Wintertime exacerbates the toll of these activities by drawing willpower from people whose energy has already depleted, culminating in three long months of sleepiness and inefficiency
So now it is 2 AM, and the burst of inspiration I had to write this article is quickly beginning to fade From within my dark, cold, and artificially lit room, my mind can produce no thoughts of substance except to question where I go from here
Let me grab another coffee before I answer that.
Combatting any form of unhappiness involves two steps: setting realistic goals and listening to your body to achieve them First comes identifying what you need to finish in a given time frame, and determining why accomplishing that task has been difficult. I want to finish this article in the next hour; however, I am having difficulty concentrating and keeping myself awake Next, you should identify what gives you joy when faced with difficulty I feel more productive when I engage in physical activity, listen to music, or speak to friends. Finally, you must find ways to integrate those activities into your daily schedule without causing further stress. For me, this means attending sports practice every day, making efforts to hang out with friends in person, and listening to non-distracting music as I complete homework Nevertheless, these needs may change from day to day, so remaining mindful of your emotions is essential
In addition, psychologists recommend getting between 10-30 minutes of sunlight per day during the winter months, which may improve overall happiness and cognitive function Taking a brisk walk, exercising outdoors, or even sitting beside a window can significantly increase the body’s production of serotonin; mitigating the major effects of seasonal depression.
That being said, the complexities of mental health make it impossible for any solution to encompass the experiences of every person So as non-professionals in the field, choosing to approach winter with awareness and an open mind may make the chill just a little more bearable
Benjamin Williams Leader, February Fill Dyke, 1881, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, United Kingdom
Crossword: ND Spaces
By Alex Fahey ‘25
AIRPORT LOUNGE
AIMEE WILLARD
RILEY CENTER
ROSE GARDEN
CONNOLLY
ST JULIE CUVILLY
MANSION
LIBRARY HARRON